Disclaimer: You know the routine - JKR owns everything.
A/N: Okay, I was going to make this the last chapter, but I bow to popular opinion! There'll be one more after this, and then an epilogue. There's a bit of lemon & sprinkles of sugar too. Sev is going back to his sarky self.
Chapter 8 - The course of true love.
The seventh years' workload almost doubled overnight as preparations for the NEWTS began. Hermione had colour coded her revision timetable and worked out her schedule with almost military precision. Ron and Harry joked they could set their watches by her, but she ignored them. She was on her penultimate goal - NEWTS results. She wanted, no needed, to complete this task. It was all that was preventing her from moving onto number ten. Severus still collected her from Minerva's office every Friday evening; she'd colour coded those hours green.
All her teachers were certain she would sail through her exams, and all waited in anticipation for the leaving feast. They had a plan that included the Astronomy tower, Hermione and a certain Potions professor.
Severus, deep in the throes of jealousy, made it as hard as possible for Hermione. He snapped at her, ridiculed her and generally made her life a misery. Her had no intention of favouring her in the exam, as he knew deep down that she would rise to the challenge, if only to spite him.
Cleo had been more subdued lately, he noticed. He'd had to coax her out from under Minerva's chair and she had coiled in his lap to sleep, rather than explore. He would suggest to Minerva that she keep an eye on her.
He hadn't caught Hermione with Potter either. In fact, he hadn't caught her with anyone. He wondered if she'd run out of prospective suitors, or was just too busy with work. He had deliberately set the seventh years extra work, most of it unnecessary to the actual exam, and he'd already heard of complaints about pushing the students too hard. He wondered if Hermione would think it necessary to question him further, and he slipped into a fantasy where Hermione came to him after dinner, complaining about excessive work...
The door slammed open and she stormed in, her boot heels clicking on the stone flags of the classroom. She waited, tapping her foot impatiently, for him to acknowledge her presence. When he didn't look up she leant over the desk and put her hands either side of the parchment he was writing on. Still no response. She stood up again, huffing in frustration, and walked round his desk to stand by his chair. Nothing. She sat on the desk, her robe brushing his arm. He looked up then, noting her flushed cheeks and angry eyes.
"What is it Miss Granger?"
"You bastard!"
"My parents, contrary to popular belief, were married, Miss Granger."
"You know what I mean. You've given us far too much work. How am I going to ever pass this exam?" she leaned closer until she was almost nose to nose with him.
"How do you normally pass, Miss Granger? Through hard study."
"Isn't there an easier way?" her expression changed, eyes dropping to his mouth, bottom lip pouting.
At the back of his mind he knew this was improbable, but hey, it was his fantasy, after all.
"What did you have in mind?"
She slid between him and the desk, her robe parting to reveal a black lycra miniskirt, white school blouse tied under braless breasts and thigh high black leather boots with six inch heels. A red tipped finger stroked down his chest and back up again, raking his chin before descending again. He grasped her hand before it could go any lower.
"Are you trying to bribe me, Miss Granger?"
"Can you be bribed?" her pink tongue licked her lips and she leant towards him, a booted foot sliding up his thigh to rest gently on the bulge between his opened legs. She laughed softly. "I think you can."
She closed the gap between them and plunged her tongue into his open mouth, her hand reaching round the back of his head to hold him there.
He stood up suddenly, pushing her further onto the desk, scattering papers everywhere. Her thighs were pushed apart by his hips, revealing green silk panties.
She ripped open his shirt and dragged it over his arms while he untied her blouse, baring her breasts to his hot gaze. Thrusting forward, her tight nipples grazed his chest and then she twined one leg around his, bringing him into contact with her hot centre. The chair crashed over backwards behind him...
"Shit!" Severus sat up, a sheen of sweat on his forehead and a raging hard-on in his pants, forever grateful he was alone in his private quarters. Someone was in his classroom. Thankful his robes covered everything, he wrenched open the door.
"Oh, it's you."
"Expecting someone else, Severus?" Remus stood there, grinning.
"No, just trying to get some peace and quiet."
"You missed dinner."
"I wasn't hungry."
"Need to keep your strength up, Severus. Wouldn't want you to faint at the dance."
Severus looked at him. Black was obviously rubbing off on him.
"You're not here just to make sure I've eaten."
"No, I want to discuss the Astronomy tower with you." Severus jerked his head up. What?
"Why?"
"Albus has decided that this year it needs to be kept out of bounds during and after the graduation feast. You know how it is.. the excitement of leaving.. hormones...Wouldn't want Filch going blind...."
Severus went to his desk and sat down, picking up a quill and starting to write.
"I suggest you lock Miss Granger up there and make it invisible, then. Now go away, I'm busy."
Remus stared at his bent head and grinned. Well, Severus, it was your idea...
Unaware of the plotting going on behind his back, Severus continued on, deducting points, giving out detentions and generally being a pain in the arse.
Harry and Ron were lounging in the Gryffindor common room one evening, watching Hermione revising and scribbling notes from the books scattered around her. Susan and Ginny had gone to bed and both boys wore identical satisfied expressions. It was amazing how relaxed they felt, given their recent workload. They looked up as a second year entered the common room, muttering. They heard git, bloody, bat-faced, shithead and Snape.
"Detention?" Harry asked.
"Yeah. All I did was spill powdered gobskin on the floor." The boy frowned again. Ron jerked his head towards the boys dormitory. "You'd better get to bed, it's late." He sympathised. He looked across at Harry.
"That man needs a good shagging."
"Who, Snape?" Harry snorted with laughter.
"Who else?"
"Who'd have him?"
"Dunno - one of the teachers?"
"Can you imagine McGonegall and Snape? Both look as though they've got broomsticks shoved up their..."
"Harry!" Ron looked sick at the mental image Harry was portraying.
Hermione stopped scribbling, her hand trembling with anger. Hadn't they ever got past the fourth year in their attitude to Severus? She felt very tired all of a sudden. She knew that girls matured faster than boys, but Harry and Ron were beginning to irritate her. It must be the company she was keeping... She smiled softly as she thought of Severus, and caught Harry watching her. She raised her eyebrow at him. What? Harry blinked. She reminded him of someone...
"Whatcha doing over there 'Mione?"
"Revising. It's only four weeks to NEWTS."
"But you've been revising for weeks now. Surely you know all there is to know by now?"
"There's always something more to learn, Harry."
"Yeah." Snickered Ron "Like when I found out where Ginny hides.." he stopped, blushing.
"Oh Yeah?" Harry was distracted, Hermione was pleased to see. "Where Ginny hides what?" he darted after Ron who was running towards the stairs. Hermione shook her head. Boys!
Four weeks later found a group of tired seventh years flopped onto the sofa in their common room. Ginny was draped across Harry and Susan was snuggled up to Ron. Neville was having his shoulders rubbed by a pretty dark haired sixth year. Hermione sat in a chair by the fire, going over her notes, muttering.
"Relax, 'Mione. They're over, finished, you've got 300% in every one." Joked Ron. "Except Potions. You've only got 299% in that. Anyway, you took more than any of us!"
"I just wanted to check I hadn't forgotten anything."
"Does it matter?"
"To me it does."
"I've said it once and I'll say it again - you're weird."
"Better weird than sex-mad!"
"Who said I was sex-mad?" Ron bristled.
"I did." Susan said sleepily, snuggling closer and squeezing his thigh. It was amazing to see fiery, brash, hot-tempered Ron melt like butter under her hand. Her pulled her close, moving his robe to cover said hand that was creeping ever higher.
"That's OK then."
*****
This was it, Hermione thought as she opened the parchment. NEWTS results. She scanned the list.
Transfiguration - 328%
Advanced Transfiguration - 340%
Charms - 330%
Advanced Charms - 332%
Arithmancy - 325%
Care of Magical Creatures - 300%
Muggle Studies - 336%
Herbology - 302%
Defence against the Dark Arts - 310%
Astronomy - 316%
Potions - 298%
Advanced Potions - 298%
Twelve subjects. Most of the students didn't take Advanced Charms, Transfiguration or Potions, but did do Divination. Hermione refused to compromise her principles and take an exam in a subject she thought was a load of old twaddle. So she hadn't taken the maximum of subjects, but still more than anyone else. Ron had been almost right about the results, she smiled. All over 300%, except Potions. Must have been a couple of spelling mistakes somewhere.
She was satisfied, though, that number nine could be crossed off. She could hear the others celebrating in the common room, and she knew it wouldn't be long before they dragged her down there to join them. She glanced across to her wardrobe where her dress for tomorrow night hung, and smiled to herself. Severus didn't stand a chance.
*****
Severus watched as her fellow students surrounded Hermione after the graduation ceremony. She had graduated, with honours, at the top of her year, as had been expected. She drew them to her like a moth to a flame; both boys and girls. Even the Slytherin trio of Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle congratulated her, and he clenched his fist as she reached up to whisper something in Draco's ear. Draco nodded and grinned at her. Severus wondered if they would be going together to the leaving feast tonight.
The tables were cleared, lights were dimmed and music played for the students to dance to. Severus's eyes were drawn to Hermione who was dancing with Neville. She wore a silver sheath, split to the thigh that hugged her curves. Either she was wearing invisible underwear or her breasts were firm enough to defy gravity. Silver sandals graced her feet and an ankle chain sparkled above her delicate left foot.
It was a fairly fast-paced number; her arms were above her head and her body was writhing in front of Neville, who was doing a good job imitating her. All the students were swapping partners, and he watched her dance with Harry, Ron, Draco and even Crabbe and Goyle.
As it got later and later, Dumbledore took to the stage. Casting a Sonorous charm on his throat, his voice boomed out over the dance floor.
"There will now be a Teacher's Choice."
All the teachers stood up and made their way amongst the students, requesting a dance. McGonegall held her hand out to Harry, Ron got Professor Hooch, Remus claimed Susan and Sirius bowed to Ginny. Albus looked expectantly at Severus who glowered from a corner. He looked at Hermione who was standing to one side, looking at him.
He stepped forward and strode towards her. Her breath caught in her throat at his purposeful stride, and then faltered as he held his hand out to Millicent Bulstrode, who looked frantically at Pansy Parkinson.
Hermione's eyes burned with tears she refused to shed and then a large hand grasped hers.
"Do yeh mind havin' a clumsy oaf fer a partner?" It was Hagrid, smiling at her.
She took a shuddery breath and smiled up at him.
"Of course not, Hagrid. I'd be delighted." His bulk hid her face from view as a tear slipped down.
"There, there, pet. Do yeh want me t'set Fang on him?"
She hiccoughed and squeezed his hand.
"No. Fang might hurt himself. Thanks for rescuing me, Hagrid."
"N'problem. Do yeh want some air?"
"I'd like that very much."
As he guided her gently out of the door, Albus looked at Severus and shook his head sadly.
"I never took you for a fool, Severus...."
TBC
A/N: Okay, I was going to make this the last chapter, but I bow to popular opinion! There'll be one more after this, and then an epilogue. There's a bit of lemon & sprinkles of sugar too. Sev is going back to his sarky self.
Chapter 8 - The course of true love.
The seventh years' workload almost doubled overnight as preparations for the NEWTS began. Hermione had colour coded her revision timetable and worked out her schedule with almost military precision. Ron and Harry joked they could set their watches by her, but she ignored them. She was on her penultimate goal - NEWTS results. She wanted, no needed, to complete this task. It was all that was preventing her from moving onto number ten. Severus still collected her from Minerva's office every Friday evening; she'd colour coded those hours green.
All her teachers were certain she would sail through her exams, and all waited in anticipation for the leaving feast. They had a plan that included the Astronomy tower, Hermione and a certain Potions professor.
Severus, deep in the throes of jealousy, made it as hard as possible for Hermione. He snapped at her, ridiculed her and generally made her life a misery. Her had no intention of favouring her in the exam, as he knew deep down that she would rise to the challenge, if only to spite him.
Cleo had been more subdued lately, he noticed. He'd had to coax her out from under Minerva's chair and she had coiled in his lap to sleep, rather than explore. He would suggest to Minerva that she keep an eye on her.
He hadn't caught Hermione with Potter either. In fact, he hadn't caught her with anyone. He wondered if she'd run out of prospective suitors, or was just too busy with work. He had deliberately set the seventh years extra work, most of it unnecessary to the actual exam, and he'd already heard of complaints about pushing the students too hard. He wondered if Hermione would think it necessary to question him further, and he slipped into a fantasy where Hermione came to him after dinner, complaining about excessive work...
The door slammed open and she stormed in, her boot heels clicking on the stone flags of the classroom. She waited, tapping her foot impatiently, for him to acknowledge her presence. When he didn't look up she leant over the desk and put her hands either side of the parchment he was writing on. Still no response. She stood up again, huffing in frustration, and walked round his desk to stand by his chair. Nothing. She sat on the desk, her robe brushing his arm. He looked up then, noting her flushed cheeks and angry eyes.
"What is it Miss Granger?"
"You bastard!"
"My parents, contrary to popular belief, were married, Miss Granger."
"You know what I mean. You've given us far too much work. How am I going to ever pass this exam?" she leaned closer until she was almost nose to nose with him.
"How do you normally pass, Miss Granger? Through hard study."
"Isn't there an easier way?" her expression changed, eyes dropping to his mouth, bottom lip pouting.
At the back of his mind he knew this was improbable, but hey, it was his fantasy, after all.
"What did you have in mind?"
She slid between him and the desk, her robe parting to reveal a black lycra miniskirt, white school blouse tied under braless breasts and thigh high black leather boots with six inch heels. A red tipped finger stroked down his chest and back up again, raking his chin before descending again. He grasped her hand before it could go any lower.
"Are you trying to bribe me, Miss Granger?"
"Can you be bribed?" her pink tongue licked her lips and she leant towards him, a booted foot sliding up his thigh to rest gently on the bulge between his opened legs. She laughed softly. "I think you can."
She closed the gap between them and plunged her tongue into his open mouth, her hand reaching round the back of his head to hold him there.
He stood up suddenly, pushing her further onto the desk, scattering papers everywhere. Her thighs were pushed apart by his hips, revealing green silk panties.
She ripped open his shirt and dragged it over his arms while he untied her blouse, baring her breasts to his hot gaze. Thrusting forward, her tight nipples grazed his chest and then she twined one leg around his, bringing him into contact with her hot centre. The chair crashed over backwards behind him...
"Shit!" Severus sat up, a sheen of sweat on his forehead and a raging hard-on in his pants, forever grateful he was alone in his private quarters. Someone was in his classroom. Thankful his robes covered everything, he wrenched open the door.
"Oh, it's you."
"Expecting someone else, Severus?" Remus stood there, grinning.
"No, just trying to get some peace and quiet."
"You missed dinner."
"I wasn't hungry."
"Need to keep your strength up, Severus. Wouldn't want you to faint at the dance."
Severus looked at him. Black was obviously rubbing off on him.
"You're not here just to make sure I've eaten."
"No, I want to discuss the Astronomy tower with you." Severus jerked his head up. What?
"Why?"
"Albus has decided that this year it needs to be kept out of bounds during and after the graduation feast. You know how it is.. the excitement of leaving.. hormones...Wouldn't want Filch going blind...."
Severus went to his desk and sat down, picking up a quill and starting to write.
"I suggest you lock Miss Granger up there and make it invisible, then. Now go away, I'm busy."
Remus stared at his bent head and grinned. Well, Severus, it was your idea...
Unaware of the plotting going on behind his back, Severus continued on, deducting points, giving out detentions and generally being a pain in the arse.
Harry and Ron were lounging in the Gryffindor common room one evening, watching Hermione revising and scribbling notes from the books scattered around her. Susan and Ginny had gone to bed and both boys wore identical satisfied expressions. It was amazing how relaxed they felt, given their recent workload. They looked up as a second year entered the common room, muttering. They heard git, bloody, bat-faced, shithead and Snape.
"Detention?" Harry asked.
"Yeah. All I did was spill powdered gobskin on the floor." The boy frowned again. Ron jerked his head towards the boys dormitory. "You'd better get to bed, it's late." He sympathised. He looked across at Harry.
"That man needs a good shagging."
"Who, Snape?" Harry snorted with laughter.
"Who else?"
"Who'd have him?"
"Dunno - one of the teachers?"
"Can you imagine McGonegall and Snape? Both look as though they've got broomsticks shoved up their..."
"Harry!" Ron looked sick at the mental image Harry was portraying.
Hermione stopped scribbling, her hand trembling with anger. Hadn't they ever got past the fourth year in their attitude to Severus? She felt very tired all of a sudden. She knew that girls matured faster than boys, but Harry and Ron were beginning to irritate her. It must be the company she was keeping... She smiled softly as she thought of Severus, and caught Harry watching her. She raised her eyebrow at him. What? Harry blinked. She reminded him of someone...
"Whatcha doing over there 'Mione?"
"Revising. It's only four weeks to NEWTS."
"But you've been revising for weeks now. Surely you know all there is to know by now?"
"There's always something more to learn, Harry."
"Yeah." Snickered Ron "Like when I found out where Ginny hides.." he stopped, blushing.
"Oh Yeah?" Harry was distracted, Hermione was pleased to see. "Where Ginny hides what?" he darted after Ron who was running towards the stairs. Hermione shook her head. Boys!
Four weeks later found a group of tired seventh years flopped onto the sofa in their common room. Ginny was draped across Harry and Susan was snuggled up to Ron. Neville was having his shoulders rubbed by a pretty dark haired sixth year. Hermione sat in a chair by the fire, going over her notes, muttering.
"Relax, 'Mione. They're over, finished, you've got 300% in every one." Joked Ron. "Except Potions. You've only got 299% in that. Anyway, you took more than any of us!"
"I just wanted to check I hadn't forgotten anything."
"Does it matter?"
"To me it does."
"I've said it once and I'll say it again - you're weird."
"Better weird than sex-mad!"
"Who said I was sex-mad?" Ron bristled.
"I did." Susan said sleepily, snuggling closer and squeezing his thigh. It was amazing to see fiery, brash, hot-tempered Ron melt like butter under her hand. Her pulled her close, moving his robe to cover said hand that was creeping ever higher.
"That's OK then."
*****
This was it, Hermione thought as she opened the parchment. NEWTS results. She scanned the list.
Transfiguration - 328%
Advanced Transfiguration - 340%
Charms - 330%
Advanced Charms - 332%
Arithmancy - 325%
Care of Magical Creatures - 300%
Muggle Studies - 336%
Herbology - 302%
Defence against the Dark Arts - 310%
Astronomy - 316%
Potions - 298%
Advanced Potions - 298%
Twelve subjects. Most of the students didn't take Advanced Charms, Transfiguration or Potions, but did do Divination. Hermione refused to compromise her principles and take an exam in a subject she thought was a load of old twaddle. So she hadn't taken the maximum of subjects, but still more than anyone else. Ron had been almost right about the results, she smiled. All over 300%, except Potions. Must have been a couple of spelling mistakes somewhere.
She was satisfied, though, that number nine could be crossed off. She could hear the others celebrating in the common room, and she knew it wouldn't be long before they dragged her down there to join them. She glanced across to her wardrobe where her dress for tomorrow night hung, and smiled to herself. Severus didn't stand a chance.
*****
Severus watched as her fellow students surrounded Hermione after the graduation ceremony. She had graduated, with honours, at the top of her year, as had been expected. She drew them to her like a moth to a flame; both boys and girls. Even the Slytherin trio of Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle congratulated her, and he clenched his fist as she reached up to whisper something in Draco's ear. Draco nodded and grinned at her. Severus wondered if they would be going together to the leaving feast tonight.
The tables were cleared, lights were dimmed and music played for the students to dance to. Severus's eyes were drawn to Hermione who was dancing with Neville. She wore a silver sheath, split to the thigh that hugged her curves. Either she was wearing invisible underwear or her breasts were firm enough to defy gravity. Silver sandals graced her feet and an ankle chain sparkled above her delicate left foot.
It was a fairly fast-paced number; her arms were above her head and her body was writhing in front of Neville, who was doing a good job imitating her. All the students were swapping partners, and he watched her dance with Harry, Ron, Draco and even Crabbe and Goyle.
As it got later and later, Dumbledore took to the stage. Casting a Sonorous charm on his throat, his voice boomed out over the dance floor.
"There will now be a Teacher's Choice."
All the teachers stood up and made their way amongst the students, requesting a dance. McGonegall held her hand out to Harry, Ron got Professor Hooch, Remus claimed Susan and Sirius bowed to Ginny. Albus looked expectantly at Severus who glowered from a corner. He looked at Hermione who was standing to one side, looking at him.
He stepped forward and strode towards her. Her breath caught in her throat at his purposeful stride, and then faltered as he held his hand out to Millicent Bulstrode, who looked frantically at Pansy Parkinson.
Hermione's eyes burned with tears she refused to shed and then a large hand grasped hers.
"Do yeh mind havin' a clumsy oaf fer a partner?" It was Hagrid, smiling at her.
She took a shuddery breath and smiled up at him.
"Of course not, Hagrid. I'd be delighted." His bulk hid her face from view as a tear slipped down.
"There, there, pet. Do yeh want me t'set Fang on him?"
She hiccoughed and squeezed his hand.
"No. Fang might hurt himself. Thanks for rescuing me, Hagrid."
"N'problem. Do yeh want some air?"
"I'd like that very much."
As he guided her gently out of the door, Albus looked at Severus and shook his head sadly.
"I never took you for a fool, Severus...."
TBC